West Virginia White Butterfly

The West Virginia White butterfly (Pieris virginiensis) is a small, white butterfly found in wooded habitats of the northeastern United States. The adult butterfly, which flies only in April and May, relies on spring wildflowers, such as toothwort, trillium, and violets, for its survival. Currently there are many threats to the natural areas where the butterfly and these wildflowers are found. These threats include forest fragmentation, deer overpopulation, and the spread of invasive species, such as garlic mustard. The butterfly is just one of the native residents of the forest that will be affected if we lose our natural areas and these spring wildflowers.

Members of the Lake Erie Allegheny Partnership for Biodiversity are dedicated to the identification, protection and restoration of biological diversity in our region. LEAP members have identified the West Virginia white butterfly as a “species of concern” in our region and have formed the West Virginia White Committee. The goals of this committee are to:

maintain viable populations of the West Virginia white butterfly

preserve and restore its habitat

educate the public

Each April, members of the LEAP West Virginia White Committee begin monitoring suitable habitats for the presence of the butterfly. By learning more about this butterfly, we hope to gain an understanding of the threats against it and the native wildflowers it depends on for survival.

We are also asking for your help in finding the butterfly! During the months of April and May, as you are hiking through your favorite wooded areas please let us know if you see this small, white butterfly or its host plant, toothwort.